Five steps to support giving: Step 3 Digital Giving

First published on: 4th February 2022

We’re exploring 5 simple, practical steps to support generous giving in 2022.

Last week we talked about the Parish Giving Scheme and this week we go digital.

Across the UK, in 2017: card payments exceed cash. 2018: 98% of adults have a debit card. 2019: half of all payments made by card. 2020: 27% of all payments are contactless. We live in a digital world.

Increasingly also we give in a digital world. The Charities Aid Foundation reports a decline in cash gifts to charity, an increase in online donations (including by over 55s) and the healthy resilience of regular electronic gifts - a big shout out to the Parish Giving Scheme.

So we need to go digital if we’re not to miss out. Here are three suggestions for how:

  • Go contactless.
    Whether it’s still hesitancy around passing the plate, younger folks carrying less cash or greater familiarity with contactless there’s no better time to click to Parish Buying for a wide range of contactless solutions.

    Top tip: Giving is discipleship; giving is worship. Connect your contactless giving desk visually to your worship: liturgical colours, prayers, bible texts, giving cards. This is new for all of us. Be creative, experiment, learn from and share with others.
     
  • Go online.
    Online giving platforms are a no brainer. They are easy to set up, easy to use and inexpensive. Just Giving is well known. We suggest you check out the Parish Buying solution with Gift Aid reclaim, practical guidance and discounted transaction fees. Make sure you link to your online page from your church website and A Church Near You

    Top Tip: make use of QR Codes to your online giving platform to use on your website or on attractive pew giving cards for occasional offices or special services etc. Make giving easy and accessible.
     
  • Go social.
    Over 80% of churches have a Facebook page and most have way more followers than congregation members  Nearly a quarter use YouTube. Keep social media fresh, tell your story, the difference you make in your community.

    Top tip: don’t be hesitant to share financial needs appropriately and link to your online giving platform from your posts or tweets or online services.

Digital giving is here to stay and rich with possibilities. It may be unfamiliar and take a bit of time to set up. But once it’s done you’ve opened the door to major new giving opportunities and for you to make connections beyond your current givers. Remember: technology is great but generosity is about people, relationships, discipleship, worship.

Get expert support

Talk to Lucia Miller (lucia,miller@liverpool.anglican.org) our Digital Giving Officer Lucia can offer hands-on advice and guidance for every parish. She really can walk you through and support you through all the above.

 

 

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